10-Day Combined Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and Uganda Safari

10-Day Combined Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and Uganda Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 10-Day Combined Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and Uganda Safari, blending rich cultural exploration with exhilarating wildlife encounters. Despite recent border closures, Trek Africa Expeditions has meticulously crafted a tour that allows you to experience the best of these diverse destinations.

This safari features trekking with the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, meeting the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo, and tracking Golden Monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you’ll also explore the scenic beauty of Burundi and experience its cultural heritage.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Drive to Gitega, Burundi

Your adventure begins with a 6 AM pickup from your hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. You’ll travel via Tanzania to cross into Burundi. The scenic drive will pass through stunning landscapes, including the Rusomo border crossing and onward to Gitega, Burundi’s political capital.

• Drive Time: Kigali to Gitega (approx. 8 hours, including border crossings)

• Highlights: Scenic drive through Rwanda and Tanzania, entry into Burundi.

• Overnight: Tropitel Gitega Hotel

• Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Gitega to Bujumbura

In the morning, visit the Royal Drummers of Gitega, a unique cultural performance that showcases Burundi’s drumming traditions. Afterward, you’ll drive to Bujumbura (now Bujumbura), the lakeside city on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

• Highlights: Visit to the Karera Waterfalls and sightseeing in Bujumbura, including the lakefront area.

• Overnight: Hotel Club Du Lac Tanganyika, Bujumbura

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Return to Kigali

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali, Rwanda, crossing the border into Tanzania. The drive back is a perfect chance to relax and reflect on the beautiful landscapes you’ve seen in Burundi.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Overnight: The Legend Hotel, Kigali

Day 4: Kigali to Bukavu, DR Congo

On Day 4, you’ll head to Bukavu, located near Kahuzi Biega National Park in DR Congo. The journey takes you across the Ruzizi Border, crossing into DR Congo from Rwanda. The drive is scenic, passing through villages and forests that are teeming with wildlife.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Overnight: Nediva Hotel, Bukavu

Day 5: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

In the morning, enjoy an unforgettable Eastern Lowland Gorilla trek in Kahuzi Biega National Park, home to one of the largest populations of these rare gorillas. Your guide will lead you through lush tropical forests as you search for these incredible creatures. After the trek, visit the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a chance to learn about chimpanzee rehabilitation efforts.

• Trekking Time: 2-3 hours (depending on gorilla movements)

• Overnight: Nediva Hotel, Bukavu

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Bukavu to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Today, you’ll drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, with a stop at Lake Kivu to enjoy its scenic views. Rwanda’s famed Volcanoes National Park is home to the famous Mountain Gorillas.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Overnight: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking and Dian Fossey Museum Visit

Start the day by trekking Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, a fun and enriching experience where you’ll encounter these playful primates. In the afternoon, visit the Dian Fossey Museum, where you’ll learn about the life and work of the famous conservationist who dedicated her life to gorilla research.

• Trekking Time: 2-3 hours

• Overnight: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Volcanoes National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

After breakfast, travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, crossing the Cyanika Border from Rwanda. This is where your Mountain Gorilla trekking experience will take place. The drive is scenic, passing through lush landscapes, rolling hills, and beautiful vistas.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the much-anticipated Mountain Gorilla trekking day! You’ll head deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. With only about 1,000 Mountain Gorillas left in the wild, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. After your trek, relax and reflect on this extraordinary experience.

• Trekking Time: 3-5 hours (depending on gorilla location)

• Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: Return to Kigali, End of Safari

On the final day, drive back to Kigali, Rwanda. You’ll have time to reflect on the incredible wildlife experiences you’ve had before being dropped off at your hotel or airport for your flight back home.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Additional Highlights

• Crossing multiple borders offers a unique chance to explore the different cultures and landscapes of Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and Uganda.

• Cultural Insights: You’ll enjoy visits to local communities, learning about the history, customs, and heritage of the places you visit.

• Wildlife Experiences: From gorilla trekking to chimpanzee sanctuaries, enjoy wildlife in its natural beauty.

• Lakes and Landscapes: Lake Kivu and Tanganyika will offer picturesque stops with their stunning waterscapes.

Included in the 10-Day Combined Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and Uganda Safari

• Gorilla Trekking Permits:

  • DR Congo: $400 per person

  • Uganda: $800 per person

  • Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking: $100 per person

• Transport: Travel in a comfortable 4×4 Safari vehicle

• Accommodation & Meals: Enjoy full-board accommodation at handpicked lodges

• Services: English-speaking driver-guide, daily bottled water on safari, and all listed activities

• Park Entrance Fees: All relevant park fees are included

• Visa Fees:

  • Tanzania: $100

  • Burundi: $40

  • DR Congo: $100

Not Included in the Safari Package

• Visa Fees:

  • Rwanda Multiple Entry Visa: $70

  • Uganda Visa: $50

• Airfares: International and domestic flights are not included

• Optional Activities: Any activities not specified in the itinerary

• Personal Expenses: Such as tips, alcoholic beverages, and other personal costs

Visa Information

• Rwanda: You can obtain your Multiple Entry Visa for $70 at Kigali International Airport upon arrival.

• Uganda: The Uganda Visa needs to be applied for in advance. You can apply through the official immigration website: Uganda Immigration Services.

• Tanzania & DR Congo: We will assist you in obtaining the Tanzania Visa ($100 each) and the DR Congo Visa ($100 each).

• Burundi: A Burundi Visa costs $40, and we will handle the application for you.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking Costs in DR Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking costs vary between Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo due to different national policies. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Uganda:

  • $800 for foreign non-residents

  • $700 for foreign residents

  • Ugx 300,000 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan)

  • Duration: Spend one hour with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

  • Uganda’s pricing strategy focuses on making gorilla trekking affordable while still offering an extraordinary experience.

• Rwanda:

  • $1500 for foreign non-residents

  • $500 for foreign residents

  • $200 for East African citizens

  • Duration: One-hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

  • Rwanda is marketed as a luxury destination, which is reflected in its higher permit costs.

• DR Congo:

  • $400 for foreign non-residents (High Season: mid-December to mid-March, June to October)

  • $200 for foreign non-residents (Low Season: mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December)

  • $200 for East African residents

  • $20 for Congolese nationals

  • Duration: One-hour trek to see Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

  • DR Congo is aiming to boost tourism after a period of instability and offers competitive pricing to attract more visitors.

Best Time to Book the 10-Day Combined Safari

This incredible 10-day safari through Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and DR Congo can be booked year-round. However, for the best experience, the months between June and August and December to February are ideal due to the lower rainfall and better trekking conditions in the forests.

• If you visit between March and May or November, you may experience higher rainfall, but some lodges offer discounts on accommodation during the rainy season, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Why Book Your Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we take pride in offering tailor-made safari experiences that are customized to fit your interests and preferences. Our professional team is committed to providing excellent service, answering your queries promptly (within 30 minutes), and ensuring all your logistics and bookings are handled well in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can rest assured of a memorable and hassle-free travel experience, guided by our expert English-speaking tour consultants. Contact us today for more details on how to book your 10-day combined Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and Uganda safari.